Busan is the second largest city in South Korea after Seoul, the maritime capital and the main port of the country. But this is not a boring faceless metropolis, on the contrary, it is a paradise for tourists here: you can enjoy fresh seafood, wander through the mountains, relax on the beaches and explore the islands. Traveler Tatyana Vetrova told how you can spend an eventful vacation here in any season.
Main
- Currency: Korean won (1000 equals 71 rubles). In September 2024, about 1,320 won were given for one dollar.
- Time difference from Moscow: +6 hours.
- Visa: Russians do not need to travel for up to 90 days.
- When to go: all year round (the most comfortable weather is in spring and autumn, in July — the rainy season).
- What else to visit: first of all, the capital. In Oh! The blog has just published a guide to Seoul.
Entry rules
Russian tourists need a passport and a K-ETA — electronic entry permit to travel. It is issued for up to 90 days, but you can stay in the country continuously for no more than 60 days. K-ETA must be issued to adults from 18 to 64 years old. The application is submitted on the official website or via the mobile application. The cost of registration is 10,000 Korean won (about 700 rubles). From July 2023, it is issued for 3 years.
How to get there
There are no direct flights from Russia to South Korea, so the most popular routes are connecting flights via China, Tashkent and Mongolia. In the fall of 2024, flights from Moscow to Seoul via Beijing cost from 25,000 rubles one way. Travel time is from 11 to 30 hours.
There are no direct flights from Russia to South Korea, so the most popular routes are connecting flights via China, Tashkent and Mongolia. Photo: Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock.com
Practical tips for a trip to South Korea
We present the instructions for the first trip to Korea: we have collected details on visas, money, transport and routes.
Where to stay
Sunset Business Hotel
For those who want to spend more time on the beach, we suggest considering accommodation in the Haeundae area. For example, Sunset Business Hotel is located across the street from the beach and a 5-minute walk from Hauendae Metro Station. The cost of accommodation for two starts from 12,000 rubles, breakfast is included.
SoTA Collection The Terrace
An option on the beach of Kwangalli. The Kwangan Bridge is visible from the hotel window.
Lala Vianco Hotel
The city center is suitable for those who want to see the sights and plan to actively move around different areas of the city. Hotels at the Somen metro station will be a good choice. So, the Lala Vianco Hotel is located a minute’s walk from it: it’s easy to get to the main tourist locations by subway. There are restaurants, karaoke bars, and shops nearby.
Lala Vianco Hotel.
Hotel Foret Premier Nampo
Look for more options on the Island, a Russian bank card is suitable for payment:
What to see in the city
Kamchon Cultural Village
Looking at the colored houses of the village of Kamchon, which are crowded on the mountainside, you would not think that in the 1950s there were slums here. Today, on the narrow streets you can see original artistic compositions, especially tourists like a sculpture with a scene from the “Little Prince”, where the main character communicates with a Fox. In Kamchon, you want to photograph everything: from cute porches to colorful steps and bright benches.
At the entrance to the village in the tourist center, do not forget to buy a map of the area for 2000 won (about 140 rubles). With the map in your hands, you will not miss the secret corners and will be able to participate in the quest. Cafes, art shops, galleries, secret rooms with surprises and, most importantly, places where special seals are hidden are marked on the plan. They can hide in one of the courtyards, in a store, at a local small market and even in a sauna. The point of the quest is to put an imprint of each seal found in the same map. Once the goal is achieved, you can go to the tourist center for the prize.
Looking at the colored houses of the village of Kamchon, which are crowded on the mountainside, you would not think that in the 1950s there were slums here. Photo: IamDoctorEgg/Shutterstock.com
Taejeongdae Nature Park
It’s easy to spend the whole day in Taejongdae Park. This picturesque place is famous for forests with rare trees, camellia and silver magnolia grow here. The snow-white Yondo lighthouse is located on the territory, next to which tourists like to take pictures. The lighthouse’s observation deck overlooks the islands of Korean Oryukdo and Japanese Tsushima.
A hiking trail with suspension bridges and recreation areas stretches along the coast. Even during the tourist season, there is a place to sit in solitude by the sea or enjoy the views from the observation decks. The length of the trail is 4 kilometers, it connects the attractions of the park — the observatory, the Buddhist monasteries of Taejons and Kumens.
The snow-white Yondo lighthouse is located on the territory, next to which tourists like to take pictures. Photo: ARTYOORAN/Shutterstock.com
Attractions
The famous Lotte World Park in Busan is a must—have for those who want to get a shot of adrenaline. Welcome to the most extreme attraction in Korea — Underland, the equivalent of a roller coaster over a kilometer long! The trailers reach speeds of about 100 km/h and rotate 360 degrees.
Lotte World is famous for fun performances and colorful parades. There are six themed areas in the park, of which the most popular is the “Royal Garden” with Lorry Castle. Lorrie is a symbol of the park, as well as Lottie the chipmunk. The Royal Garden offers spectacular views of Busan and the coast of Kizhan.
There are six themed areas in the park, of which the most popular is the “Royal Garden” with Lorry Castle. Photo: Peter L/tripadvisor.com
What to see in the surroundings
Vedo Botanical Garden
The history of the Vedo Botanical Garden dates back to 1969, when fisherman Li Changho found shelter from the weather on the island. Soon, together with his wife, they laid out a garden on it. The place is famous not only for its camellias, but also for rare species of agave and cacti, which are usually cultivated in greenhouses, but grow here in the open air.
Of particular interest is the area where the “Garden of Venus” is located — a miniature Versailles with twelve sculptures from Greek and Roman mythology. Excursions for tourists are limited to one and a half hours, you can not stay overnight on the island. This is enough time to explore all the corners of the island and enjoy coffee or tea in a cafe located on a rocky cliff with panoramic views of the garden.
Vedo Island is located 90 kilometers from Busan. First of all, you need to get to Koje Island by bus or train from Busan, and then take a ferry to Vedo Island at the Gujor pier.
Of particular interest is the area where the “Garden of Venus” is located — a miniature Versailles with twelve sculptures from Greek and Roman mythology. Photo: Image Republic/Shutterstock.com
Hedong Yenggunsa Buddhist Monastery
One of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Korea. Haedong Engunsa attracts with its spectacular location on the rocky coast. People come here to enjoy the views of the sea and mountains, take a walk and admire the Buddhist statues that adorn the temple grounds.
Mount Geumjonsanson and the Buddhist monastery of Pomosa
How can you visit Korea and not climb the mountains?! In the northMount Geumjongsan is located in part of Busan City. This is a favorite place for climbing and photo shoots. There are two options to climb to the top: on foot and by cable car from Kymgan Park. The climb is not difficult, but it is better to put on comfortable shoes and take water with you.
The mountain is home to Geumjonsanseong, the largest fortress in Korea built at the beginning of the XVIII century. The length of its walls is about 17 kilometers. The mountain is also famous for the Pomosa Monastery. A walk with a visit to the monastery and rest stops will take about 4 hours.
The mountain is also famous for the Pomosa Monastery. Photo: Oscar Espinosa/Shutterstock.com
Busan beaches
The beaches of Busan are diverse: some practice surfing and sapsurfing, others relax under an umbrella. It is worth visiting them not only in summer: in autumn and spring, the beaches become places for walks, picnics and noisy festivals.
Haeundae
The most famous beach on the Korean Peninsula is Haeundae. Its coastline with coarse sand stretches for 1.5 kilometers. In spring and autumn, various events take place here — the Busan International Film Festival, the yacht race, the Sunrise Festival, as well as exhibitions, concerts and workshops. There are bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants near the shore.
With the onset of evening, life boils around — music sounds, the lights of the city light up and the streets are filled with stalls with street food and souvenirs. To meet the sunset on the beach and arrange a photo shoot against the backdrop of skyscrapers is a mandatory point of a trip to Busan.
The most famous beach on the Korean peninsula is Haeundae. Photo: PKphotograph/Shutterstock.com
Seongjong
Do you want to catch a wave? Go to Seongjong Beach. There are not only excellent surfing conditions, but also equipment rental points with the opportunity to hire an instructor.
Not far from the main entrance to the beach there is Chukdo Park, where you can hide from the sun and relax on the benches. One of the best places in the park is the Songiljong Pavilion, which offers a picturesque view of the beach and the surrounding area.
Do you want to catch a wave? Go to Seongjong Beach. Photo: KyungJae Ahn/Shutterstock.com
Quangalli
Songdo
The main attraction of Songdo Beach is the 1.6 kilometer long cable car. It connects Song Nim Park with the Amnam Park located on the mountain. If you want a thrill, we strongly recommend choosing a booth with a transparent floor — the experience will be unforgettable!
The main attraction of Songdo Beach is the 1.6 kilometer long cable car. Photo: chuck hsu/Shutterstock.com
What and where to try
- Kimchi: spicy sauerkraut or radish. It contains various spices, for example, red pepper ko chukaru, garlic and ginger. It is served as an appetizer for any order.
- Kuksu: homemade noodles in fragrant meat broth. It is often served cold with green onions, eggs and vegetables.
- Milmen: Busan hot noodle dish according to a recipe from the Korean War. You can try it at the Gukje Milmyeon restaurant.
- Pulkogi: pickled meat that is grilled. A marinade of soy sauce, sugar, garlic and pepper gives the dish a sweet and spicy taste. It is served together with lettuce leaves, in which pieces of meat are wrapped, while adding rice and sauces. You should try pulkogi at the Namamso Ribs restaurant — there are excellent beef ribs and the most tender meat.
- Pibimpap: a dish in which rice is mixed with various vegetables, meat, egg and seasoned with gochujang sauce. You can order a piebimbap at Samojeong restaurant.
- Tokpokki: one of the popular street dishes, rice dumplings cooked in hot sauce. Try tokpokki while relaxing on Haeundae Beach or on a walk in the BIFF Square area.
- Fresh seafood: to get enough of sea reptiles, take a look at the Jeil Sea Eel restaurant.
Pulkogi: marinated meat that is grilled. Photo: bonchan/Shutterstock.com
Shopping
Shopping malls and markets
The Nampo metro station area is the heart of shopping in Busan. Exit 7 will take you to the busy Gwangbok Pedestrian Street. Here you will find clothes and shoes from brands such as Adidas and Puma.
Through the underground shopping center of the Nampo station, you can get to the Lotte Department Store. It presents everything in a row: clothes, shoes, souvenirs, electronics, suitcases, umbrellas and much more. The famous Chagalchi fish market with fresh seafood is within walking distance — they offer to cook them on the spot.
There is an underground shopping center on Somen Street. Here you can find clothes from Uniqlo and Levi’s, as well as cosmetics from Missha and Holika Holika, buy food, pastries and souvenirs.
At the Somen metro station, we suggest visiting Lotte and NC department stores with a huge assortment of electronics, household goods, cosmetics and branded clothing. You can also buy popular Korean snacks as a gift or ready-made meal sets here.
Through the underground shopping center of the Nampo station, you can get to the Lotte Department Store. Photo: Suchart Boonyavech/Shutterstock.com
Outlets
Do you like large-scale shopping? Go to Busan outlets: Lotte Premium Outlets and Busan Premium Outlets Shinsegae. The first one is one of the largest in the country, with more than 550 brands represented. In addition to shops, there are children’s areas with playgrounds, restaurants and cinemas. Busan Premium Outlets Shinsegae has about 200 brands at your service and, despite the fact that it is smaller, it may not take a day to see everything.
There are two large Duty Free stores in Busan: one is located in the Lotte department store on Somen, and the other is in the Shinsegae Centum City Mall near the Centum City metro station. Take your passport and an electronic plane ticket with you to avoid paying customs duties when buying. Sellers will help you arrange the goods, and you will pick them up at the airport at a special counter.
Do not miss the opportunity to refund Tax Free for purchases from 15,000 won (approximately 1,000 rubles). Some stores refund the tax immediately, while others issue a separate receipt for a subsequent refund, which takes place at Gimhae or Incheon airports.
Shinsegae Centum City Mall at Centum City metro station. Photo: NTRdesign/Shutterstock.com
Tips
- South Korea is friendly to tourists and safe to travel even alone. Learn a couple of basic phrases in Korean, such as “hello” — “annen hasee” and “thank you” — “kamsakhamnida” and you will see how easy it is to make friends with the locals. In a couple of days, it will become customary for you to accompany the greeting with a small bow, and the hearts of Koreans will be won.
- In summer, despite the heat, always keep a light shirt or sweater on hand, as air conditioners work in the subway, buses and cafes.
- There is no such thing as bad weather: on sunny, warm days, go sightseeing, walk and relax on the beaches, and devote time to shopping in the cool.
- Do not take a lot of things with you on a trip — here you will certainly be tempted to buy yourself and gifts for your loved ones.
Have time to buy plane tickets, and the Island will take care of comfortable accommodation!
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Cover photo: jamesteohart/Shutterstock.com
